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Happy new year everyone!! ²º¹º

VELKOMMEN TIL NORGE 2010 (Welcome to Norway)!
Watch this: http://www.youtube.c(...)h?v=RILnnWuWo2o&NR=1
VELKOMMEN TIL OSLO 2010!!
Watch this: http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=p9aL8KET35g

Another year has gone by and another ESC to look forward to. This time it is in my hometown OSLO.
All thanks to Alexander Rybak's amazing victory with Fairytale in 2009.

Alexander's newest video (singing in Russian) -
http://www.youtube.c(...)m-tw&feature=related

This is such a sweet video. Shows that he treats every fan he has the same way and includes everyone
http://www.youtube.c(...)1w18&feature=related

Lets see who wins and fails in ESC 2010...Let the game begin!!
Good luck everyone!!

I look forward to be "chitchatting" with all of you yet again.

Love to all my esctoday family and friends (a list will soon arrive) hehe

Welcome to OSLO ²º¹º!!
Let me share with you something from my home city

First, some music performances outdoor, close to Oslo harbor:

Lene Marlin performs her song "Here I am" live on top of a roof with Oslo sentral city in the background:
http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=OvFC8qhZvBg
Espen Lind, Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes and Askil Holm "Boys of summer" live on top of the same roof (from the summer-show "Sommertid"):
http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=AdFXQ0kuAsk
Espen Lind, Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes and Askil Holm "With or without you" live city center (from the show "Sommeråpent"):
http://www.youtube.c(...)ext_from=PL&index=55
Alexander Rybak live from the show "Sommeråpent" in the outdoor studio in city center of Oslo "All I do is dream/Funny little world" http://www.youtube.c(...)0XzQ&feature=related

Some performances from the VG-chart top 20 concert we have every summer close to the Oslo Fjord (here are only the Norwegian artists/singers who have performed):
Raadhusplassen 2009 - Donkeyboy "Ambitions" - http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=gEuP3TZIfEw
Raadhusplassen 2009 - Aqua "Back to the 80's" - http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=x76oTjBbjSo
Raadhusplassen 2009 - A-ha "Foot of the mountain" - http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=zuQJXKjhGSs
Raadhusplassen 2009 - Lind, Nilsen, Fuentes, Holm. A cool mix of 3 songs http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=6PaSuLqYEwY
Raadhusplassen 2009 - Alexander Rybak "Funny little world" - http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=5MSCNYJCybc
Raadhusplassen 2009 - Paperboys "Lonesome traveler" http://www.youtube.c(...)HJcY&feature=related
Raadhusplassen 2009 - Samsaya "Money" - http://www.youtube.c(...)-wfw&feature=related
Raadhusplassen 2008 - Madcon "Beggin" - http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=M0sEpl4BEvw
Raadhusplassen 2008 - Ida Marie "I love you so much better when you're naked" - http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=qsUup9i1_eg
Raadhusplassen 2008 - Kurt Nilsen "Rise to the occation & Lost highway" - http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=G0TA3g67kxE
Raadhusplassen 2007 - Venke Knutson "Holiday" - http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=3bvGr6j2PnY
Raadhusplassen 2007 - Kurt Nilsen "Push push" - http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=yabq9IUb_6A
Raadhusplassen 2007 - The Kids "Forelska i l�¦rer'n" - http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=13Lh7l7WysI
Raadhusplassen 2006 - Margareth Berger "Samantha" - http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=H6rnr-2623I
Raadhusplassen 2005 - Kaizers Orchestra "Maestro" - http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=qrAOrKkAgIQ
Raadhusplassen 2005 - The very first show - wow! There were a lot of people http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=JvfhXfEQ8qg

Songs from ESC, Raadhusplassen - OSLO:
Raadhusplassen 2009 - Alexander Rybak "Fairytale" - http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=qeJKjz68Fhc
Raadhusplassen 2009 - Yohanna "Is it true" - http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=UCvdmL_n_RI
Raadhusplassen 2008 - Maria Haukaas Storeng/Mira Craig "Hold on be strong and Mine all mine" - http://www.youtube.c(...)75NA&feature=related
Raadhusplassen 2007 - The ark "The worrying kind" http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=58iaMaDg_RI
Raadhusplassen 2006 - Lordi "Hardrock hallelujah" - http://www.youtube.c(...)smAo&feature=related
Raadhusplassen 2005 - Wig Wam "In my dreams" - http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=WDHkYNBQNZY

His Majesty's Royal Guard performing at Raadhusplassen. Pretty cool! (watch out for loud sudden noises. I almost lost my hearing having on my earphones at full volume..heh)
http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=4jLBPI3IEVo

For those of you who are coming to Oslo in May, you may be interested to read further

OSLO (some of Oslo’s sights and facts)

Akerselva is a river which flows through Oslo. It starts at “Maridalsvannet” in the woods of Oslo, and follows 5 of the urban areas, whereby it finally ends at the Opera house in Bjørvika harbor in the city center. The entire river is about 8.2 kilometres long, and has a difference in altitude of approximately 149 meters. The river is considered to be the border between the eastern and the western part of Oslo.
I live close to this part of the river:
http://upload.wikime(...)rselva_Nydalen_1.jpg

Akerselva is "Oslo’s green lung”; many parks and nature trails are to be found by its path. A walk along Akerselva from the rural Frysja down through the different parts of Oslo all the way down to the city centre is an amazing experience and a walk through the history of Oslo
http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=e11JmcZWjZk

Torch wandering – Akerselva.
Around september each year there’s an atmospheric walk with torchlight along the Akerselva (for everyone to join). Torches are set up along the river, while the electric light goes out. Musicians, jugglers and fire-eaters entertain along the riverbank. Everyone carries a torch.
It’s really an amazing experience. I did that one year.

Look at this video: http://www.youtube.c(...)ZLrY&feature=related

Some amazing pics from the wandering:
http://oslo-turer.co(...)/09/250920081631.jpg
http://oslo-turer.co(...)/09/250920081604.jpg

Holmenkollen is a neighborhood in Oslo. In addition to being a residential area (very expensive to buy a house here), the area has been a ski recreation area since the late 19th century, with its famous, eponymous, ski jump arena hosting competitions since 1892.

http://www.humiliati(...)slo_holmenkollen.jpg

The ski jump arena has been torn apart and newly rebuilt with reopening march 2010. There’s also a Ski-simulator next to the tower in Holmenkollen. "Downhill-racing in Turin" and "Ski jump in Kollen", in addition to both Downhill and Super G in Kitzbühel!. Experience how it feels to race in one of the world toughest down-hill slopes. Technology only available to pilot's and astronauts earlier, combines flightsimulator-movements with an "eye-view"-film to create a unique and realistic feeling.

http://www.skisimula(...)ictures/IMG_0967.JPG

A ski-museum is located at the base of the Holmenkollen ski jump , called Holmenkollen Ski Museum. It’s the world's oldest ski museum, being founded in 1923. The museum contains 4000 years of skiing history, starting with rock carvings from the Stone Age showing skiers, and skis from the Viking Age. It also shows polar equipment used in the expeditions of Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen.
http://www.youtube.c(...)Ro18&feature=related
http://www.youtube.c(...)pxe0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.c(...)ZLrY&feature=related

Vigelandsparken - Vigeland Sculpture Park is a part of Frogner Park, located in Oslo, 3 km northwest of the city centre. The park covers 80 acres (320,000 m2) and features 212 bronze and granite sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland. Vigeland personally sculpted every figure out of clay and individual craftsmen were contracted to fabricate the pieces into what they are today. These works of art reside along an 850 meter-long axis divided into six sections: The Main Gate, The Bridge, The Children’s Playground, The Fountain, The Monolith Plateau and the Wheel of Life.

http://www.youtube.c(...)/watch?v=gvEBOwFPclU

Opera house
The new Opera house in Bjørvika, was opened in 2008.
http://www.youtube.c(...)IGJY&feature=related
http://www.gewa.no/b(...)den_norske_opera.jpg

Aker Brygge is an area in Oslo (the arm of the Oslo Fjord).The area consists of a shopping center with shops and restaurants, pubs and bars, a cinema, office space, and apartments. Additionally, there is a boat harbor and a terminal for the ferries to Nesodden/Oslo Fjord. The area measures 260 000 m2.
Oslo's unique pearl to the sea, is the people's meeting place where harbor life, extensive shopping and vibrant nightlife make up the essence that Oslo would probably not have done without.
Aker Brygge is the starting point for anyone wishing to enjoy the summer and lives in Oslo. When the mild breeze in July welcomes the citizens of Oslo as well as tourists, Aker Brygge plays on its entire repertoire. With a bustling crowd which is a city worthy, a stroll along the pier is like pure entertainment. Street musicians, street artists, jugglers, creative bachelor parties in the party mood or newlyweds couples groggy in an intense holiday- or lovemood. Aker Brygge is the place where the senses are in full readiness ready to spice up your experience, whether you are on the pier strolling on the way home from work or you are in a jolly holiday mood with good friends. Aker Brygge has been a pattern to follow for many other ports in Europe, and the other continents, which also the many inquiries and visits from all over the world are an expression of.

http://www.kns.no/fi(...)ilder/akerbrygge.jpg
http://www.visitnorw(...)ageVaultHandler.aspx
http://m0.11870.com/(...) 6e7ef7df28d632.jpeg
http://www.tourist-m(...)st/aker_brygge04.jpg

The Royal Castle Built 1824-1849 (renovated in the 1990’s)
http://www.storbytur(...)lder/slottet-506.jpg
The palace park surrounds the Royal Castle. It’s open to the public. http://no.wikipedia.(...) />ronningparken.JPG

17th of May (our national day), from the main street Karl Johan to the Royal castle (with all the crowd):

http://www.regjering(...)148706-14slottet.gif


Akershus Fortress or Akershus Castle is a Medieval castle that was built to protect Oslo, the capital of Norway. It has also been used as a prison. Its built in the 1290’s.
Akershus fortress is still a military area, but is open to the public daily until 9pm. In addition to the castle, the Norwegian Armed Forces museum and the Norwegian Resistance museum can be visited there. The Norwegian Ministry of Defence and Defence Staff Norway (armed forces headquarters) have a joint modern headquarters in the eastern part of Akershus Fortress. Norwegian Royalty have been buried in the Royal Mausoleum in the castle. They include, King Sigurd I, King Haakon V, Queen Eufemia, King Haakon VII, Queen Maud, King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha.

http://upload.wikime(...)LO-NO-02_05_ubt.jpeg
http://upload.wikime(...)ingVintermorgen.j pg

”Island hopping”, Oslo Fjord
In the summer the Oslo fjord comes to life. Only minutes from Oslo by ferry, you can enjoy yourself in the sun on one of the islands. On Hovedøya you can glance at the busy city while you enjoy the tranquillity and fresh air on the beach.

Each of the islands in the innermost part of the fjord has its own identity and distinguishing history. Here you find Hovedøya, Lindøya, Nakholmen, Bleikøya, Gressholmen, and Langøyene. These islands can easily be reached with the Oslo-boats from Vippetangen. Hovedøya is most famous for its monestary ruins, Gressholmen for its rabbits, Nakholmen, Bleikøya, Lindøya for their cosy cabins at the water’s edge, and finally Langøyene for its camping possibilities and pleasant beach. Each island has its unique character and history worth exploring. You can also do like the pople of Oslo do; bring a picknic basket and a blanket and enjoy the peace and quiet just minutes away from the city centre!

The coast is also lined with gems. On Bygdøy you find some of Norway’s most popular beaches; Huk and Paradisbukta. Here you can combine a visit to the Viking Ship Museum or Kon-Tiki Museum with a refreshing swim in the fjord.

Norwegians have a strong and close relationship with boating, and this is evident in the Oslo fjord. In the summer there are boats of all sizes on the fjord, and it is possible to go kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and sailing if you wish to enjoy the outdoors! Here you find activities for both adults and children.

http://www.cruisebal(...)utiful-Oslofjord.jpg